Ground Software Engineer: Real-Time Space Telemetry

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Ground Software Engineer to develop software that ingests, processes, and delivers mission data across our satellite ground network. You will implement CCSDS protocols, build high‑performance pipelines, and ensure reliable data routing between spacecraft operators and missions.

You will own components from design through deployment, collaborating with DSP, FPGA, infrastructure, and customer‑facing engineers to translate requirements into production‑ready software

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field with 2–5+ years (Bachelor's) or 1–4+ years (Master's) experience.
• Strong programming skills in Rust, C++, or Go.
• Experience in networking, real-time data processing, or distributed systems; familiarity with CCSDS standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain software to ingest, process, and route telemetry, tracking, and command data.
• Implement and validate CCSDS protocols and space packet handling.
• Develop high-performance data pipelines connecting SDRs, ground-station infrastructure, and customer endpoints.
• Build tooling for packet parsing, frame validation, buffering, recording, replay, monitoring, and debugging.
• Translate customer mission requirements into configurable data-handling workflows and interfaces.
• Collaborate with DSP and FPGA engineers to define interfaces between hardware processing and software.
• Test workflows using simulated, hardware-in-the-loop, and live satellite data.
• Own software through development, deployment, operational validation, and ongoing mission support.

Skills

Rust

C++

Go

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Telecommunications

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Protocol analysis tools

Job description

Northwood Space is seeking a Ground Software Engineer to develop software that ingests, processes, and delivers mission data across our satellite ground network. You will implement CCSDS protocols, build high‑performance pipelines, and ensure reliable data routing between spacecraft operators and missions.

You will own components from design through deployment, collaborating with DSP, FPGA, infrastructure, and customer‑facing engineers to translate requirements into production‑ready software